Crab, Brown – UK

Brown Crabs are found, and commercially fished, along the west coast of Europe, including the United Kingdom. They grow at moderate rates by repeatedly moulting their shell and reach sexual maturity at 4 to 7 years of age.

The abundance of Brown Crabs is mostly unknown throughout much of their range. Abundance in some UK fisheries is likely increasing, while in other regions it is decreasing. Brown Crab fisheries are regulated through minimum size limits, but few other regulations are in place and fishery management is weak overall.

Pots are the primary gear used to capture Brown Crab, which result in moderate habitat damage and medium levels of bycatch.